What makes a good student summer? A blur of festivals, beaches and roadtrips may be a few ways you have planned to spend your break, but it’s also a good opportunity to boost your career prospects.
Whether it’s wristbanding at a festival, skyrocketing your career with an internship at Nasa, or turning your green fingers to a spot of landscape gardening – there are a variety of ways to make the most of the summer.
“One of the biggest changes seen in young people who work over summer is an increase in confidence and independence,” says careers adviser Matt Eastlake. Spending your holiday working or volunteering for a charity abroad is an excellent way to develop these work skills and help you stand out in the job market.
Seeking out internships also gives you a flavour of different industries. “The best internships will help you decide what you want to do for a career, gain practical skills and important contacts,” adds careers writer Kayla Epstein.
So, if you’re looking to make the most out of your summer break, and want advice on finding a summer job, internship or building your skills – join us on Wednesday 20 May from 1–3pm BST for a live chat with the experts. We’ll be discussing:
- How to find a job over the summer
- How to use your summer break wisely
- What to include in your CV and cover letter
- How to make sure your applications are successful
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to charlotte.seager@theguardian.com who can post them for you.
Panel
Jon Gregory is a university careers fair visitor who advises students on career choices. He’s the author of “Winning That Job”, a guide for students and graduates, editor of win-that-job.com and a regional ambassador for National Careers Week.
Arthur Ashman is talent development leader at Inspiring Interns – one of the UK’s leading graduate recruitment agencies. Ashman studied Medicine at UCL before pursuing a career in HR which involves interviewing, advising and matching graduates to careers.
Zac Williams is a founder and director of GradTouch, a student careers website that gives graduates an insight into employers through interviewing and profiling their employees.
Dan Hawes is the co-founder of Graduate Recruitment Bureau, the UK’s leading independent recruitment consultancy for students and graduates. GRB’s experts have placed over 600,000 students and graduates in all sectors across the world.
Michelle Poole is a qualified careers consultant from Birmingham City University, with six years’ experience offering careers advice and guidance. Prior to this, Poole has extensive experience within the HR sector.
Julia Meighan is executive chairman of VMA Group, a global recruitment and career development business. She is an advocate of internships as a means of getting a foot in the door to gain vital experience.
Kate Sheldon is O2’s talentum and diversity manager. Sheldon is also the head of talentum, O2’s early career and young talent programme. Prior to this, Sheldon worked as as HR business partner.
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